Dry box with protective cover

ABSTRACT

A dry storage box formed of a pair of covers, a first one of the covers having structure for securing a normally handheld portable electronic device therein with a display and a control key pad of the electronic device facing toward an opening in the first cover; and a second one of the covers having viewing port positioned for viewing an interior portion of the first cover there through; a latch mechanism for securing the second cover relative to the opening in the first cover with the viewing port in a viewing relationship with the opening in the first cover; and a protective cover arranged in a movable covering relationship with the viewing port.

This application is a Continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/046,353 entitled, “DRY BOX WITH MAGNIFICATIONWINDOW” filed in the name of the same inventor on Jan. 28, 2005, whichis incorporated herein by reference, and is related to co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/046,567 entitled, “DRY BOX WITH SEALEDWINDOW” and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,463entitled, “MAGNIFICATION MECHANISM FOR VIEWING AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY”both filed in the name of the same inventor on Jan. 28, 2005, which areboth incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dry storage box, and in particular toa dry storage box having viewing port therein for viewing a devicemounted within the box and a moveable protective cover arranged toprotect the viewing port from external damage sources.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dry storage boxes are generally well know, as disclosed by Clifford inU.S. Pat. No. 6,035,800, “Gunwale Attachable Dry Box for SmallWatercraft” issued Mar. 14, 2000, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a dry storage box having a clamping device forattaching to the gunwale of a small watercraft, and by Bourke in U.S.Pat. No. 6,273,773, “Scuba Diver's Marker Buoy and Dry Box” issued Aug.14, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes acombination dive buoy and dry box assembly, wherein the dry box provideswater tight storage compartment with a hinged lid and latches forstoring miscellaneous personal valuables and belongings so that, in theevent of capsize, the clamped water tight dry box is sealed andvaluables and belongings remain safe and dry.

Richardson describes another dry storage box in U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,864,“Protective Case for Touch Screen Device” issued Nov. 11, 2003, which isincorporated herein by reference, as a protective case for an electronicdevice that has a touch screen, wherein the protective case has amembrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronicdevice that allows the user to use the touch screen interface. Theprotective case taught by Richardson also allows infrared and othercommunication signals while the device is secured inside the case.Electrical connections can also be made through the case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a dry storage box formed of an opensubstantially rectangular container having structure therein forsecuring a normally handheld portable electronic device adjacent to afloor thereof with the device's display and control key pad facingtoward an opening in the container, a lid having viewing port positionedfor viewing an interior portion of the container there through and beingstructured for sealing the container opening, the container and lidbeing mutually hinged along corresponding edges, a latch mechanism forsecuring the lid in a substantially water-resistant sealed relationshipwith the container opening and the viewing port in a viewingrelationship with the display of the electronic device; and a protectivecover arranged in a movable covering relationship with the viewing port.

According to one aspect of the invention, the viewing port is one ofeither an optical magnifying lens and an optically transparentresiliently pliable membrane. Alternatively, the viewing port is acombination of an optical magnifying lens and an optically transparentresiliently pliable membrane.

According to different aspects of the invention, the protective cover ismovable relative to the viewing port formed in the lid, the protectivecover being optionally either slidable relative to the viewing port, orrotatable away from the viewing port.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protective cover iseither optically transparent or at least optically semi-transparent.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protective cover issubstantially optically opaque.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dry storage box, or “dry box,” of theinvention, wherein the dry box includes a magnifier in a lid portion ofthe dry box for easier viewing of a normally handheld portableelectronic device secured within the dry box, and wherein the dry box ispresented on a known universally positionable ball-and-socket mountingapparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dry box of the invention wherein thelid having the magnifier is shown hinged along an edge of the container;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view through the dry box of theinvention wherein the magnifier is shown as a single transparentconventional convex lens and is illustrated as substantially covering atleast a portion of the floor of the lid;

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional perspective view that illustrates theuse of the dry box of the invention wherein a normally handheld portableelectronic device is secured adjacent the dry box floor with its displayand control key pad facing toward an opening in the dry box andpositioned for magnification by the magnifier when the lid is closed;

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional perspective view through the dry boxof the invention wherein the magnifier is shown as the conventionaltransparent Fresnel magnifying lens and is illustrated as being integralwith the floor of the lid;

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional perspective view through the dry boxof the invention wherein the magnifier is shown as the conventionaltransparent Fresnel magnifying lens and is illustrated as being separatefrom the floor of the lid;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox of the invention having a non-magnified normal viewing transparentpanel in the window formed in the floor of the lid with the magnifierspaced there above on a hinge;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox of the invention having a non-magnified normal viewing transparentpanel in the window formed in the floor of the lid with the magnifierspaced there above on a pair of slides;

FIG. 9 is a is a perspective view of the dry box of the inventionwherein the magnifier is a sliding magnifier provided on the containerlid;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the dry box of the inventionhaving a sliding magnifier provided on the container lid;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox of the invention having the normal viewing window panel formedintegrally with the floor of the lid as a single continuous sheet ofsubstantially transparent material without magnification;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox of the invention having the separate normal viewing panel coupled inthe window of the lid with a substantially water-resistant seal betweenthe transparent window panel and the lid wherein the normal viewingwindow panel is optionally formed as either a substantially rigidtransparent material, or a thin transparent resilient membrane material;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box of the invention having the window in the box lid filled with acombination viewing panel that includes a normal viewing portion incombination with the magnifier;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box of the invention having the window in the box filled withanother embodiment of the combination viewing panel that includes thenormal viewing portion in combination with the magnifier;

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the substantiallywater-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism of the invention forattaching the resiliently pliable normal viewing membrane-type panelinto the lid under the window;

FIG. 16 illustrates the resiliently pliable normal viewing membrane-typepanel of the invention having the central thin resiliently pliablewindow portion surrounded by a peripheral seal portion of the inventionformed as the relatively enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling of themembrane material of which the panel is formed;

FIG. 17 is a close-up of the substantially water-resistantcircumferential sealing mechanism of the invention that shows theperipheral seal portion of the invention of the membrane-type panelbeing captured between a contact surface of the frame and an opposingrigid portion the lip of the lid window when fasteners are secured tothe lip portion of the window, FIG. 17 also illustrates optionallymoisture barriers formed in the contact surface of the frame and anopposing rigid portion the lip of the lid window;

FIG. 18 is close-up of the substantially water-resistant circumferentialsealing mechanism of the invention that illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the optional barriers formed as circumferentialdepressions or grooves in the respective frame contact surface and lipportion of the window;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the inside of the lid showingthe membrane-type panel installed in the lid under the window, with thecentral thin resiliently pliable window portion positioned under thewindow and the frame clamping the peripheral seal portion of theinvention against the rigid lip portion of the window when the multiplefasteners are secured;

FIG. 20 is section view of the lid showing the membrane-type panelinstalled in the lid under the window, with the peripheral seal portionof the invention compressed between the substantially planar contactsurface of the window frame and the rigid lip portion of the window whenthe multiple fasteners are secured;

FIG. 21 is a close-up of an alternative embodiment of the substantiallywater-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism of the invention forthe membrane-type panel having a peripheral seal portion of theinvention of the membrane-type panel being formed as a relativelyenlarged lump or raised bump or swelling of the membrane material ofwhich the panel is formed;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lid having the circumferentialridge formed on the inner periphery of the window in the plane of thewindow floor;

FIG. 23 is a close-up of the alternative embodiment of the substantiallywater-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism of the invention forthe membrane-type panel having the peripheral seal portion of theinvention being formed as a relatively enlarged lump or raised bump orswelling of the membrane material, and the circumferential groove beingsized to engage the ridge portion of the inner periphery of the window;

FIG. 24 is a close-up of another alternative embodiment of thesubstantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism of theinvention for the membrane-type panel having a peripheral seal portionof the invention of the membrane-type panel being formed as therelatively enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling of the membranematerial of which the panel is formed;

FIG. 25 is a close-up of the other alternative embodiment of thesubstantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism of theinvention for the membrane-type panel having the peripheral seal portionof the invention being formed as a relatively enlarged lump or raisedbump or swelling of the membrane material, and the circumferentialgroove being formed with the circumferential slot and grooves sized toengage the circumferential protrusions of the ridge portion of the ridgeportion formed on the inner periphery of the window;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box of the invention having the container formed as a pocket that issized and structured to receive a portable electronic device;

FIG. 27 is an illustration of another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a the magnifier is provided as part of a coverof the invention that is snapped over the portable electronic devicewith the magnifier positioned over the device display;

FIG. 28 illustrates another alternative means for securing the cover ofthe invention to the portable electronic device with the magnifierpositioned over the device display;

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the magnifier of theinvention that is structured for being attached to the electronic devicein a position over the device display;

FIG. 30 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the magnifier ofthe invention that is structured for being attached to the electronicdevice in a position over the display; and

FIG. 31 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the magnifierof the invention that is structured for being attached to the electronicdevice in a position over the display;

FIG. 32 illustrates a novel alternative embodiment of the mechanicalsnap lock mechanism, wherein the magnifier is shown in phantom toprovide an unobstructed view of the snap lock mechanism;

FIG. 33 is a close-up view a variation of the novel mechanical snap lockmechanism illustrated in FIG. 32, wherein the magnifier is removed forclarity;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the dry box of the present inventionwherein the lid is shown having a protective cover there over;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the dry box of the present inventionwherein the protective cover is illustrated as a sliding protectivecover;

FIG. 36 is another perspective view of the dry box of the presentinvention having the sliding protective cover;

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention having the sliding protective cover and illustrating oneembodiment of the sliding mechanism;

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention having the sliding protective cover and illustrating anotherembodiment of the sliding mechanism;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention wherein the protective cover is illustrated as a hingedprotective cover and illustrating one embodiment of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention having the hinged protective cover and illustrating anotherembodiment of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention having the hinged protective cover in an open position andillustrating one embodiment of a handle mechanism for lifting the hingedprotective cover; and

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view of the dry box of the presentinvention that illustrates another embodiment of the hinged protectivecover of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dry storage box, or “dry box,” 100according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the dry box 100 ispresented on a universally positionable ball-and-socket mountingapparatus A of the type disclosed by Carnevali in U.S. Pat. No.5,845,885, entitled “Universally Positionable Mounting Device,” issuedto Jeffrey D. Carnevali on Dec. 8, 1998, which is incorporated herein byreference, which is generally well known to be very effective foruniversally positioning and immovably supporting an otherwise relativelymovable object in a substantially infinite variety of combinations offixed angular and spatial relations to a relatively stationary object ormounting surface, with the ball-and-socket mounting apparatus orientedat variable angular orientations with respect to either or both of thesupported and relatively stationary objects. Alternatively, the dry box100 of the invention is presented on a belt clip for holding on aperson's belt.

The dry box 100 is generally of a type well-known in the art andgenerally includes a pair of mutually hinged top and bottom covers 102,104, hereinafter a “container” 102 and “lid” 104. The container 102 is,by example and without limitation, a substantially rectangular open boxwith the similarly shaped sealing lid 104 hinged thereto. The container102 and lid 104 are both constructed of light weight, substantiallyrigid, water-resistant material, such as heavy gauge injection-moldableplastic or another suitable material, such as metal, and may be designedfor rugged industrial use, recreational use, commercial use, or manyother uses. Alternatively, one or both the container 102 and lid 104 areformed of a resiliently pliable material, such as a flexible rubber, foran application in a wet environment. The container 102 and lid 104 aremutually structured for creating a substantially water-resistantcircumferential seal mechanism 105 between respective peripheral lipportions 106, 108 formed around their respective openings. Thesubstantially water-resistant circumferential seal mechanism 105 is, byexample and without limitation, a gasketed seal of the type disclosed byJinkins in U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,204, “Seal” issued Nov. 3, 1981, which isincorporated herein by reference. A latch mechanism 110 secures the lid104 in a substantially water-resistant sealed relationship with thecontainer 102. According to one embodiment of the invention, the latchmechanism 110 is an elastic cam-over latch mechanism. Such latchmechanisms are generally well-known and include, by example and withoutlimitation, a snap latch closure of the type disclosed by Swanson inU.S. Pat. No. 5,295,60, “Housing With Snap Latch Closure” issued Mar.22, 1994, and the pivoting clasp disclosed by Owens, et al. in U.S. Pat.No. 5,641,065, “Medical Instrument Soaking, Transporting and StorageContainer” issued Jun. 24, 1997, both incorporated herein by reference.

The lid 104 includes an optical magnification mechanism or magnifier 112that, when the lid 104 is closed relative to the container 102, ispositioned behind an opening or window aperture 113 that is positionedand structured for viewing an interior portion of the container 104there through. The window aperture 113 is just as easily formed in thecontainer 102 with the magnifier 112 positioned there behind, so thatthe roles of the two covers 102, 104 are reversed, and the windowaperture 113 is positioned and structured for viewing an interiorportion of the lid 104. In one example, the window aperture 113 isformed in a plate or floor portion 114 of the lid 104, and the magnifier112 is positioned in the window aperture 113 for enlarging theappearance of a display portion D of a normally handheld portableelectronic device E (shown in FIG. 4 and subsequent figures). Forexample, the portable electronic device E is a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) receiver, a portable radio or cellular telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a pocket personal computer (pocket PC), amobile presentation system (MPS) player, a MP3 player, or anotherhandheld portable electronic device. The portable electronic device E issecured within the container 102 with its display D and a control keypad P facing up within the container 102 toward the window aperture 113in the lid 104. The display D, and optionally the control key pad P, ofthe portable electronic device E is viewable through the window aperture113, and the view is enlarged by the magnifier 112. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the magnifier 112 is a single opticallytransparent conventional convex lens of a type well-known in the art. Byexample and without limitation, the magnifier 112 is formed of glass,acrylic, plastic, or polycarbonate, or anther transparent material tohave a focal length structured for focusing on the display of theelectronic device secured within the container 102 when the lid 104 isclosed there over.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dry box 100 wherein the lid 104 isshown hinged with the container 102 along corresponding edges of theirrespective lip portions 106, 108. By example and without limitation, thecontainer 102 and lid 104 are hinged by a conventional lid hinge 116 ofa type well-known in the art. The magnifier 112 provided at the lid 104is an optically transparent Fresnel lens of a type well-known in theart. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,860, “Fresnel Lens Sheet.” Byexample and without limitation, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 formed ofa plastic or polycarbonate material to have a focal length structuredfor focusing on the display of the electronic device secured within thecontainer 102 when the lid 104 is closed there over.

A pair of mating eyelets 118, 120 are optionally provided on therespective lip portions 106, 108 adjacent to the latch mechanism 110.The mating eyelets 118, 120 come together when the lid 104 is closerelative to the container 102 and form a ring 121 for receiving theshackle of a padlock for securing the contents of the dry box 100against theft. Alternatively, the ring 121 receives a lanyard or wriststrap for maintaining a hold on the dry box 100 and its contents.

Alternatively, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 formed of a thinresiliently pliable membrane that operates magnify the appearance ofboth the display D and control key pad P of the electronic device E. Forexample, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is a sheet of flexiblemagnifying plastic of a type that is well-known in the art. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 3,140,883, “Book Cover” issued to Anthony on Oct.23, 1962, which is incorporated herein by reference. See, also, U.S.Pat. No. 4,828,558, “Laminate Optic with Interior Fresnel Lens” issuedto Kelman on May 9, 1989, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,319, “Refracting SolarEnergy Concentrator and Thin Flexible Fresnel Lens” issued to Appeldornon Jul. 18, 1989, which are both incorporated herein by reference. TheFresnel lens magnifier 112 is thus made substantially flexible so that,when the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is in close proximity to or even indirect contact with the electronic device E, substantially normal fingerpressure is effective for communicating tactile inputs to the electronicdevice E, i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view through the dry box 100.The magnifier 112 is shown as the single transparent conventional convexlens and is illustrated as substantially covering at least a portion ofthe floor 114 of the lid 104. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the magnifier 112 is initially separate from the lid 104, andthe lid 104 is molded onto the magnifier 112 during an injection moldingprocess in which the lid 104 is formed. Alternatively, the magnifier 112is formed integrally with the lid 104 with both the lid 104 andmagnifier 112 being formed of the transparent plastic, polycarbonate, orother material of which the magnifier 112 is formed. As such, one ormore sides 122 of the container 102 or lid 104 may be transparent,whereby information, such as indicator lights for power, communication,battery status, or other functions located on any of the sides of the ofthe device E may be viewable through one or more of the container or lidsides 122.

The substantially water-resistant circumferential seal 105 alongrespective peripheral lip portions 106, 108 around the openings of therespective container 102 and lid 104 is illustrated, by example andwithout limitation, as a circumferential projection or tongue 123 formedin the peripheral lip 106 of the container 102 and a matingcircumferential groove or channel 124 formed in the peripheral lip 108of the lid 104, the channel 124 is sized to receive the tongue 123. Agasket 126 of a resiliently deformable material, such as rubber,silicone, or closed-cell foam, is positioned at least partially withinthe channel 124 and is sized to cooperate with the tongue 123 andchannel 124 so that the tongue 123 contacts and partially deforms thegasket 126 when the lid 104 is closed relative to the container 102 withthe latch mechanism 110 engaged.

An interior cavity 128 of the container 102 is sized to receive andcontain one or more different normally handheld portable electronicdevice adjacent a floor 130 thereof. Additionally, the container floor130 includes receiver structure 132 for securing the container 102 to anexternal presentation apparatus, such as the universally positionableball-and-socket mounting apparatus A of the type illustrated in FIG. 1,a belt clip for holding the dry box 100 on a person's belt, or anotherpresentation apparatus. For example, the container floor 130 is piercedwith one or more apertures 134 each structured to receive a conventionalfastener. Alternatively, the structure 132 is a simple planar surfacestructured to receive a resilient adhesive pad 135 of the type commonlyknown as a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive or PSA. Other conventionalreceiver structures 132 are also contemplated and can be substitutedwithout deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.

Occasionally, it is desirable to connect the portable electronic deviceto an external antenna or power source. Accordingly, the container floor130 optionally includes a knock-out plug 136 that, when removed, leavesan aperture sized to admit a wire, plug or wiring harness there throughso that direct electrical connections to be made electronic device Ewithout having to open the lid 104. The aperture left by removal of theplug 136 also provides a pass-through for light, acoustics, heat,mechanical actuation, and other forms of communication with the deviceE. The knock-out plug 136 is placed at the bottom of a well 138 andincludes a groove 140 formed thereabout that locally thins the floor 130and permits a user to punch out the knock-out plug 136 with thumbpressure or a light hammer and leaves an edge that is harmless toinsulated wires.

Further, the glass, acrylic, plastic, or polycarbonate, or othertransparent material of magnifier 112 allows infrared and other types ofcommunication signals between the electronic device E inside the caseand an external electronic device while the device E is maintained inthe protective dry box 100.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional perspective view through the dry box100 that shows the normally handheld portable electronic device Esecured adjacent the container floor 130 with its display D and controlkey pad P facing toward an opening in the container 102 and positionedfor magnification by the magnifier 112 when the lid 104 is closed. FIG.4 therefore illustrates the use of the dry box 100 of the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable electronicdevice E is located relative to the window aperture 113 and is securedadjacent the container floor 130 by a resilient adhesive pad 142commonly known as a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive or PSA. Other suitablemeans for removably or permanently securing the portable electronicdevice E are considered equivalent and are also within the scope of theclaimed invention. For example, snap-in clips may be molded in thecontainer 104 for securing the portable electronic device E, or a custombracket, or a fastener, or a hook and loop fastener system, or even foampads having cut-out or molded features sized to accept differentportable electronic devices of different sizes and shapes. Differentmeans for locating and securing the portable electronic device E can beprovided in the container 104 without deviating from the scope andintent of the present invention.

The container 102 and lid 104 are sized compatibly with the portableelectronic device E to ensure the magnifier 112 is spaced a distance Lfrom the display D, whereby the magnifier 112 is both focused on thedisplay D and provides significant magnification of the display D whenthe dry box 100 is about arm's length from the user's face. For example,the magnifier 112 magnifies the display D about 150 percent or more whenthe dry box 100 is positioned about arm's length from the user's face,but may be any desired magnification which makes information appearingon the display D appear larger, and therefore, easier to view.

According to one alternative embodiment of the invention, the magnifier112 is initially separate from the lid 104, and the magnifier 112 issubsequently positioned over or in the window aperture 113 and coupledto the lid 104 with a substantially water-resistant seal 144 between themagnifier 112 and lid 104. By example and without limitation, the seal144 is formed using a suitable adhesive such as a conventional roomtemperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber composition containing ingeneral a cross-linkable polymeric, usually linear siloxane, a compoundthat has a vulcanizing effect, a catalyst and optionally otheradditives, like plasticizers, bonding agents, pigments, processingagents and fillers. Such adhesive RTV silicone rubber compositions aregenerally well-known, as disclosed by Schoeley, et al. in U.S. Pat. No.5,969,057, “Adhesive R TV Silicone Rubber Compounds” issued Oct. 19,1999, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other adhesives arealso contemplated for forming the substantially water-resistant seal 144and can be substituted for the RTV without deviating from the scope andintent of the present invention. Alternatively, the magnifier 112 isultrasonically welded to the lid 104 to form the substantiallywater-resistant seal 144.

When the knock-out plug 136 is punched out and removed, the well 138 istransformed into an aperture that extends though the container floor 130that is sized to admit a wire, plug or wiring harness there through andhas an inside edge 146 that is harmless to insulated wires.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional perspective view through the dry box100. The magnifier 112 is shown as the conventional transparent Fresnelmagnifying lens and is illustrated as substantially covering at least aportion of the floor 114 of the lid 104. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is initially separate fromthe lid 104, and the lid 104 is molded onto the Fresnel lens magnifier112 during an injection molding process in which the lid 104 is formed.Alternatively, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is formed integrally withthe lid 104 with both the lid 104 and Fresnel lens magnifier 112 beingformed of the transparent plastic, polycarbonate, or other material ofwhich the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is formed.

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional perspective view through the dry box100 wherein the magnifier 112 is shown as the conventional transparentFresnel magnifying lens. The Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is initiallyseparate from the lid 104, and is subsequently positioned in the windowaperture 113 and coupled to the lid 104 using adhesive to form thesubstantially water-resistant adhesive seal 144 between the Fresnel lensmagnifier 112 and lid 104. Alternatively, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112is ultrasonically welded to the lid 104 to form the substantiallywater-resistant seal 144.

The Fresnel lens is known to be structurable to have a shorter focallength than a conventional convex lens for a similar degree ofmagnification. As a result, the container lid 104 is optionally lower inprofile when the magnifier 112 is structured as the Fresnel lens, thanwhen structured as the conventional convex lens. Therefore, thecontainer 102 and lid 104 are sized compatibly with the portableelectronic device E to ensure the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is spaced ashorter distance l from the display D, whereby the Fresnel lensmagnifier 112 is focused on the display D while providing significantmagnification of the display D when the dry box 100 is about arm'slength from the user's face. The distance l that the Fresnel lensmagnifier 112 is spaced from the display D is less than the distance L(shown in FIG. 4) that the convex lens magnifier 112 is spaced from thedisplay D. According to one embodiment of the invention, the Fresnellens magnifier 112 magnifies the display D about 150 percent or morewhen the dry box 100 is positioned about arm's length from the user'sface, but may be any desired magnification which makes informationappearing on the display D appear larger, and therefore, easier to view.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox 100 having an optically transparent window panel 148 in the windowaperture 113 formed in the floor 114 of the lid 104. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the transparent window panel 148 is formedas a sheet of substantially rigid optically transparent material withoutmagnification, such as acrylic, or polycarbonate, or anothersubstantially rigid transparent material, including glass. Thecombination of container 102 and lid 104 is lower in profile even thanthe dry box 100 having the Fresnel lens magnifier 112, such that thewindow aperture 113 is positioned in close proximity to the device E.Accordingly, an overall depth d of the container 102 and lid 104combination is only slightly deeper than an overall thickness t (shownin FIG. 8) of the electronic device E secured therein. The transparentwindow panel 148 without magnification permits normal viewing of theportable electronic device E through the window aperture 113. Inoperation, the magnifier 112 is aligned with the window aperture 113 andis positioned a distance above the floor 114 of the lid 104 on a pair ofintegral sidewalls 150 that space a convex lens portion 152 of themagnifier 112 at the distance L from the display D of the electronicdevice E, or that spaces the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 at the distancel from the display D.

The magnifier 112 is movable relative to the window aperture 113 suchthat the optically transparent normal-viewing window panel 148 isaccessible to the user. By example and without limitation, one of thesidewalls 150 of the magnifier 112 is hinged along one edge of thesealing lid 104 by a conventional rotational lid hinge 154 of a typewell-known in the art. The hinged magnifier 112 is thus easily swungaside to expose the normal-viewing window panel 148, and is also easilyswung into place over the normal-viewing window panel 148 to magnify thedisplay D. According to one embodiment of the invention, the hingedmagnifier 112 is latched in place over the normal-viewing window panel148 by a catch mechanism 156 that includes, by example and withoutlimitation, a conventional recess or detent 158 in the lid 104 and amating tongue 160 formed along an edge of one of the sidewalls 150 ofthe hinged magnifier 112. Other conventional catch mechanisms are alsocontemplated and can be substituted without deviating from the scope andintent of the present invention.

Alternatively, the optically transparent normal-viewing window panel 148in the window aperture 113 is a thin optically transparent resilientlypliable membrane without magnification that operates as a normal viewingwindow for viewing both the display D and control key pad P of theelectronic device E. Simultaneously, the optically transparentmembrane-type normal-viewing window panel 148 operates as a touch screenfor operating the portable electronic device E. For example, thenormal-viewing window panel 148 is a substantially planar thin opticallytransparent plastic sheet or film of a material, such as silicone, thatis sufficiently transparent to permit substantially unimpeded viewing ofthe display D and yet remains flexible, even at extreme coldtemperature, so that substantially normal finger pressure is effectivefor communicating tactile inputs to the electronic device E, i.e.,depressing the keys of the control key pad P. Alternatively, it is knownthat polyvinylchloride (PVC) material at 0.010 inch to 0.015 inchthickness gives acceptable results. However, the membrane-type windowpanel 148 is optionally formed of another commercially availableflexible material in different plastic families of resins that providesuitable results. According to one embodiment of the invention, however,the material of the membrane-type window panel 148 is on the order of0.030 inch to 0.060 inch thick, which provides a ruggedness anddurability that is desirable both for long product life and forprotecting the electronic device E contained in the dry box 100. It isalso known that PVC material at 0.060 inch to 0.150 inch thickness forthe material of the membrane-type window panel 148 gives acceptableresults, whereby the substantially normal finger pressure is effectivefor communicating tactile inputs to the electronic device E bydepressing the keys of the control key pad P, and the material remainssufficiently flexible that, after depressing a key, the materialresiliently returns to its original pre-depressed substantially planarcondition. Such rugged and durable thicknesses is not believed toprovide a membrane-type window panel 148 sufficiently flexible to allowtactile inputs to be communicated to a touch screen type electronicdevice, as described by Richardson in U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,864,“Protective Case for Touch Screen Device” issued Nov. 11, 2003, thecomplete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Rather, the thicker PVC material is used with electronic devices E ofthe type that use button-type keys for the control key pad P.Furthermore, unlike the membrane taught by Richardson in U.S. Pat. No.6,646,864, the membrane-type window panel 148 of the present inventionis intended to be universal as regards different electronic devices E;therefore, the membrane-type window panel 148 is not fitted to thebutton-type keys for the control key pad P, but is a substantiallyplanar sheet. Thus, unlike the membrane taught by Richardson in U.S.Pat. No. 6,646,864, the membrane-type window panel 148 of the presentinvention does not include special features such that the buttons on thePDA are easily operated through the protective membrane provided by themembrane-type window panel 148, nor special features to aid the user inpressing the buttons. The membrane-type window panel 148 of the presentinvention does not include dimpled areas for the user's finger locateddirectly over the buttons, nor does it include a section of membranedefined by a thinner area around the section for enabling the user tomore easily deflect the section of membrane over the button.

The normal viewing transparent membrane-type window panel 148 alsoremains sufficiently resilient to return to it pre-depressed conditionwhen the finger pressure is removed. Such resilient transparentmembranes for forming the membrane-type window panel 148 are generallywell-known, as disclosed by Wong, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,423,“Touch-Pad Cover Protecting Against Wear, Spills and Abuse” issued Sep.2, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference; and Richardson inU.S. Pat. No. 6,646,864, which discloses a protective case for anelectronic device that has a touch screen, the protective case having amembrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronicdevice that allows the user to use the touch screen interface, thecomplete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thecombination of container 102 and lid 104 is lower profile even than thedry box 100 having the Fresnel lens magnifier 112, such that theresilient transparent membrane of the window panel 148 is in closeproximity to, or even in direct contact with, the device control key padP. Accordingly, an overall depth d of the container 102 and lid 104combination is the same depth or only slightly deeper than an overallthickness t (shown in FIG. 8) of the electronic device E securedtherein. The device control key pad P is thus operable through theresiliently pliable yet optically transparent membrane-type window panel148, which also permits viewing of the display D, while the device Eremains protected inside the dry box 100.

The resiliently pliable, optically transparent membrane-type windowpanel 148 permits normal viewing and operation of the portableelectronic device E within the dry box 100. The magnifier 112 providessignificant magnification of the display D. By example and withoutlimitation, the magnifier 112 is spaced above the lid 104 and theresiliently pliable, optically transparent membrane-type window panel148 in the window aperture 113. The magnifier 112 is aligned with thewindow aperture 113 at a distance above the resiliently pliable andoptically transparent membrane-type window panel 148 in the windowaperture 113 that effectively spaces the convex lens magnifier 112 atthe distance L from the display D and control key pad P of theelectronic device E, or that spaces the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 atthe distance l from the display D and control key pad P.

The magnifier 112 is movable relative to the membrane-type window panel148 such that the resiliently pliable, optically transparentmembrane-type window panel 148 is available to the user's fingers formanipulation of the control key pad P. By example and withoutlimitation, the sidewall 150 of the magnifier 112 is hinged along oneedge of the sealing lid 104 by the conventional lid hinge 154 of a typewell-known in the art. The hinged magnifier 112 is thus easily swungaside to expose the transparent membrane of the window panel 148, and isalso easily swung into place over the transparent membrane-type windowpanel 148 to magnify the display D. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the hinged magnifier 112 is latched in place over thetransparent membrane-type window panel 148 in the window aperture 113 bythe catch mechanism 156 or another conventional catch mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox 100 having the non-magnified normal viewing optically transparentmembrane-type window panel 148 in the widow aperture 113 formed in thefloor 114 of the lid 104, wherein the transparent membrane of the windowpanel 148 is formed as the sheet of resiliently pliable substantiallyoptically transparent material without magnification that permits normalviewing of the portable electronic device E. The magnifier 112 is spacedthe appropriate distance above the lid 104 and the optically transparentnormal-viewing membrane-type window panel 148 for viewing the display Dat the desired magnification. The magnifier 112 is either theconventional convex lens, the Fresnel lens, or another magnifying lenscapable of magnifying the display D of the electronic device E.

The magnifier 112 is movable relative to the resiliently pliable,optically transparent membrane-type window panel 148 by sliding relativeto the floor 114 of the lid 104 by means of a sliding mechanism 161. Byexample and without limitation, the lid 104 is formed with a pair ofrails 162 along opposing edges. The sidewalls 150 of the slidingmagnifier 112 are both formed with mating tongues 164 that fit into therails 162. The sidewalls 150 space the tongues 164 an appropriatedistance from the lens portion 152 of the magnifier 112. The rails 162and mating tongues 164 are structured to cooperate in a manner thatpermits the sliding magnifier 112 to slide along the rails 162 relativeto the container lid 104. Optionally, the sliding magnifier 112 isremovable from the lid 104 by continuous sliding of the sidewalls 150along the rails 162 until the tongues 164 disengage from the rails 162.The sliding magnifier 112 is replaceable on the lid 104 by re-engagingthe tongues 164 with the mating rails 162 and sliding the magnifier 112into position over the window aperture 113.

Alternatively, the non-magnified normal-viewing window panel 148 in thewindow aperture 113 of the lid 104 is formed as the thin transparentresilient membrane without magnification that operates as a touch screenfor operating the portable electronic device E. The magnifier 112 isspaced the appropriate distance above the window aperture 113 of the lid104 and the optically transparent membrane of the membrane-type windowpanel 148 for viewing the display D at the desired magnification. Themagnifier 112 is either the conventional convex lens, the Fresnel lens,or another magnifying lens capable of magnifying the display D of theelectronic device E. The magnifier 112 is movable relative to the windowaperture 113 and the optically transparent membrane-type window panel148 by sliding on the rails 162 relative to the floor 114 of the lid104. The sliding magnifier 112 is thus moved to permit access to thewindow panel 148.

FIG. 9 is a is a perspective view of the dry box 100 wherein the slidingmagnifier 112 is shown as being shorter than the lid 104. The slidingmagnifier 112 is optionally slid into position over the display D of theelectronic device E for magnifying the display D. Simultaneously, thecontrol key pad P of the electronic device E is exposed by the slidingmagnifier 112 for manipulation through the resiliently pliable,optically transparent membrane of the window panel 148. The normalviewing window panel 148 is optionally formed as either thesubstantially rigid transparent material, or the thinoptically-transparent and flexibly-resilient membrane material.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the dry box 100 wherein thesliding magnifier 112 is shown as being shorter than the lid 104. Thesliding magnifier 112 is optionally slid into position over the controlkey pad P of the electronic device E for magnifying symbols typicallydisplayed on keys of the control key pad P. Simultaneously, the displayD of the electronic device E is exposed by the sliding magnifier 112through the optically transparent window panel 148. The normal viewingwindow panel 148 is optionally formed as either the substantially rigidoptically transparent material, or the optically transparent resilientlypliable membrane material.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox 100 having the normal viewing window panel 148 formed integrallywith the floor 114 and walls 122 of the lid 104 as a single continuoussheet of substantially transparent material without magnification, suchas transparent plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate, or anothersubstantially rigid transparent material, including glass.Alternatively, the optically transparent window panel 148 is initiallyseparate from the lid 104, and the lid 104 is molded onto the windowpanel 148 during an injection molding process in which the lid 104 isformed.

The magnifier 112 is a sheet of flexible magnifying plastic of a typethat is well-known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.3,140,883, “Book Cover,” which is incorporated herein by reference. See,also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,558, “Laminate Optic with Interior FresnelLens,” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,319, “Refracting Solar EnergyConcentrator and Thin Flexible Fresnel Lens,” which are bothincorporated herein by reference. The sheet magnifier 112 is thus madesubstantially flexible. The lens portion 152 of the flexible sheetmagnifier 112 is optionally a conventional convex lens (shown), aFresnel lens, or another magnifying lens suitable for opticallymagnifying the display D of the electronic device E.

The flexible sheet magnifier 112 is coupled to the lid 104 by an edgehinge joint 166 that is formed, by example and without limitation, usingan adhesive such as an RTV adhesive or another suitable adhesive betweenthe lid 104 and one edge 168 of the flexible sheet magnifier 112.Alternatively, the edge hinge joint 166 between the flexible sheetmagnifier 112 and the lid 104 is formed by ultrasonically welding theedge 168 of the flexible sheet magnifier 112 to the lid 104. Theflexible sheet magnifier 112 is operable like a cover of a book, i.e.,it is grasped along an edge 170 opposite the edge hinge joint 166 andsimply flipped into position over the normal viewing window panel 148 inthe window aperture 113 for magnifying the display D of the electronicdevice E, or turned back to access the normal viewing window panel 148.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment of the drybox 100 having the normal viewing window panel 148 initially formedseparately from the floor 114 of the lid 104. The window panel 148 issubsequently positioned in the window aperture 113 and coupled to thelid 104 with the substantially water-resistant seal 144 between theoptically transparent window panel 148 and the lid 104. The opticallytransparent normal viewing window panel 148 is optionally formed aseither the substantially rigid transparent material, or the thintransparent resilient membrane material.

The edge hinge joint 166 coupling the flexible sheet magnifier 112 isoptionally removably hinged along one side of the lid 104. For example,the lid 104 is formed with an open tubular “keyhole” slot 172 along onesidewall 122, the slot 172 having a lengthwise opening 174 adjacent tothe window aperture 113. The edge 168 of the flexible sheet magnifier112 is formed with a substantially cylindrical key-shaped insert 176structured to mate with and be retained by the female slot 172. Theflexible sheet magnifier 112 is operable like a page or cover of a book,i.e., it is grasped along the edge 170 opposite the edge hinge joint 166and simply flipped into position over the normal viewing window panel148 in the window aperture 113 for magnifying the display D of theelectronic device E, or turned back to access the normal viewing windowpanel 148.

The sliding magnifier 112 is mounted on the lid 104 by engaging one endof the key-shaped insert 176 with one end of the keyhole slot 172 andsliding the insert 176 along the keyhole slot 172 to a position besidethe window aperture 113 in the lid 104. Optionally, the slidingmagnifier 112 is removable from the lid 104 by continuous sliding of theinsert 176 along the keyhole slot 172 until the insert 176 disengagesfrom the keyhole slot 172. The sliding magnifier 112 is replaceable onthe lid 104 by re-engaging the insert 176 with the mating keyhole slot172 and sliding the magnifier 112 into position beside the windowaperture 113.

When the opening 174 in the tubular keyhole slot 172 is sufficientlyopen, and the edge 168 of the flexible sheet magnifier 112 issufficiently thin as compared with the opening 174, the tubular keyholeslot 172 operates in combination with the cylindrical key-shaped insert176 to form an alternative edge hinge joint 166 to the exampleillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box 100 of the invention having the window aperture 113 filled witha combination viewing panel 178 that includes the optically transparentwindow panel 148 as a normal viewing portion in combination with themagnifier 112. According to one embodiment of the invention, the normalviewing window panel portion 148 is formed as the thin, resilientlypliable and optically transparent membrane without magnification thatoperates as a touch screen for operating the portable electronic deviceE, as discussed herein. The magnifier 112 and normal viewing windowpanel 148 of the combination viewing panel 178 may be relatively offsetso that the magnifier 112 is spaced away from the display D, while thethin membrane of the normal viewing window panel portion 148 is close toor even touching the control key pad P of the electronic device E.Therefore, the magnifier 112 is both focused on the display D andprovides significant magnification of the display D when the dry box 100is about arm's length from the user's face, while the thin membrane ofthe normal viewing window panel portion 148 operates as a touch screenfor operating the portable electronic device E, whereby substantiallynormal finger pressure is effective for communicating tactile inputs tothe electronic device E, i.e., depressing the keys of the control keypad P. When the magnifier 112 is embodied as the optically transparentconvex lens, the magnifier 112 is spaced the distance L from the displayD. According to one embodiment of the invention, the magnifier 112 andthe normal viewing window panel portion 148 are formed as a unitarycombination viewing panel 178. The unitary combination viewing panel 178is optionally integral with the lid 104.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box 100 of the invention having the window aperture 113 filled withanother embodiment of the combination viewing panel 178 that includesthe normal viewing window panel portion 148 in combination with themagnifier 112, where the magnifier 112 is of a type, such as theoptically transparent Fresnel lens, for example, that is effective formagnifying the appearance of the device display D even when placed inclose proximity to or even touching the display D. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the normal viewing portion 178 is formed asthe thin optically transparent resilient membrane without magnificationthat operates as a touch screen for operating the portable electronicdevice E, as discussed herein. The magnifier 112 and normal viewingwindow panel portion 148 of the combination viewing panel 178 may besubstantially co-planar so that both the magnifier 112 and the thinmembrane of the normal viewing window panel portion 148 are close to oreven touching the electronic device E. Therefore, the magnifier 112 isboth focused on the display D and provides significant magnification ofthe display D when the dry box 100 is about arm's length from the user'sface, while the thin membrane of the normal viewing window panel portion148 operates as a touch screen for operating the portable electronicdevice E, whereby substantially normal finger pressure is effective fordepressing the keys of the control key pad P. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the magnifier 112 and the normal viewingwindow panel portion 148 are formed as a unitary combination viewingpanel 178, wherein the magnifier 112 and window panel 148 are integral.The unitary combination viewing panel 178 is optionally integral withthe lid 104.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the lid 104 that illustrates onesubstantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180 forattaching the resiliently pliable normal viewing membrane-type windowpanel 148 into the lid 104 under the window aperture 113. Themembrane-type window panel 148 is molded of an optically transparent PVCor another suitable optically transparent material having a central orinterior thin resiliently pliable window portion 182 surrounded by acontinuous peripheral sealing lip 184 formed as a relatively increasedthickness, such as an enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling of themembrane material of which the window panel 148 is formed. Theswelling-type sealing lip 184 optionally includes a curvature, thecurvature including curved fillets between the swelling and the windowportion 182. Accordingly, the peripheral sealing lip 184 is integralwith the flexible window portion 182. The flexible window portion 182 isslightly larger in dimension than the window aperture 113 in the lid 104so that it extends under a substantially rigid lip portion 186 thatforms the inner periphery of the window aperture 113. The peripheralsealing lip 184 surrounding the flexible window portion 182 is alsolarger than the peripheral lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113and similarly extends under the lip portion 186. A clamping mechanism187 for clamping the peripheral sealing lip 184 of the membrane-typewindow panel 148 tightly against a substantially planar contact surface188 of the rigid lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113 is embodied,by example and without limitation, as a window sash 189 that is sizedhaving an outer periphery 190 that larger than the lid window aperture113 but is smaller than the inside of the lid 104 so that it fitstherein without significant interference. A window aperture 192 of thewindow sash 189 is formed within an inner peripheral lip 194 sized tosubstantially match the size of the lid window aperture 113. The windowsash 189 is formed with a substantially planar contact surface 196between the inner and outer peripheries 194, 190. The window sash 189 issecured by a securing mechanism 197 to the contact surface 188 of therigid lip portion 186 with the peripheral sealing lip 184 of the windowpanel 148 clamped in between. For example, according to one embodimentof the securing mechanism 197, the window sash 189 is formed with auniform pattern multiple pass-through fastener apertures 198 and the lid104 is formed with cooperating threaded holes 199 in the same uniformpattern for fasteners 200 that secure the membrane-type window panel 148to the lid floor 114 under the window aperture 113 with the framecontact surface 196 opposite the rigid lip portion 186 of the windowaperture 113 and the peripheral sealing lip 184 compressed therebetween.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the clamping mechanism 187 is formedby the window sash 189 being secured to the window aperture lip portion186 by the securing mechanism 197. For example, the peripheral sealinglip 184 of the membrane-type window panel 148 is clamped between theframe contact surface 196 and the opposing rigid lip portion 186 of thewindow aperture 113 by the clamping mechanism 187 when the fasteners 200are secured to the lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113 around thewindow sash 189. The central thin resiliently pliable window portion 182within the peripheral sealing lip 184 is thus secured across the windowaperture 113 in the lid floor 114.

According to different alternative embodiments of the securing mechanism197, the window sash 189 is secured to the floor 114 of the lid 104using another fastening mechanism, such as flexible clips, or anothersuitable mechanism capable of securing the window sash 189 against thelid floor 114, whereby the fastener apertures 198 and fasteners 200 areeliminated.

Although illustrated by example and without limitation as beingpositioned inside the lid 104, the membrane-type window panel 148 andthe substantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180are alternatively positioned against the substantially rigid lip portion186 of the window aperture 113 on a substantially planar outside uppersurface 201 of the lid floor 114.

FIG. 16 illustrates the resiliently pliable normal viewing membrane-typewindow panel 148 having the central thin resiliently pliable windowportion 182 surrounded by the peripheral sealing lip 184 formed as therelatively enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling of the membranematerial of which the window panel 148 is formed.

FIG. 17 is a close-up of the substantially water-resistantcircumferential sealing mechanism 180 that shows the peripheral sealinglip 184 of the membrane-type window panel 148 being compressed againstthe rigid lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113 by the clampingmechanism 187. For example, the peripheral sealing lip 184 is capturedbetween the frame contact surface 196 and the opposing rigid lip portion186 of the window aperture 113 when the window sash 189 is secured bythe securing mechanism 197 to the lip portion 186 of the window aperture113. According to one embodiment of the invention, one or both the framecontact surface 196 and the lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113include an optional circumferential barrier 202, 204 shown here as aridge projected from the frame contact surface 196 toward the oppositewindow lip portion 186, or from the lid contact surface 188 toward framecontact surface 196, respectively. When present, the optionalcircumferential ridge-type barriers 202 and/or 204 dig into therelatively soft and pliable peripheral sealing lip 184 of themembrane-type window panel 148, which increases the quality of thesealing mechanism 180 by both adding additional barriers againstmoisture intrusion, and increasing the hold on the peripheral sealinglip 184 of the respective lid and frame contact surfaces 188,196.

FIG. 17 illustrates one alternative securing mechanism 197 forcompressing the peripheral sealing lip 184 of the membrane-type windowpanel 148 tightly against a substantially planar contact surface 188 ofthe rigid lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113. Accordingly,several rigid clips 205 are molded integrally with the window sash 189.The clips 205 are thin enough in cross section to flex during entry intothe lid 104. The stiffness of the clips 205 cause them to expand intonotches 207 formed in the lid 104 when the window sash 189 is pusheddeeply into the lid 104, thereby compressing the seal 184 between theopposing contact surfaces 188 and 196 of the window aperture 113 and thewindow sash 189, respectively. The clips 205 rely on their resilience or“springiness” to continue squeezing the seal 184 between the opposingcontact surfaces 188 and 196. Thus the clips 205 and notch 207 mechanismis similar to the type disclosed by Cooper in U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,459,“Tape Dispenser Having Snap Lock Core Members,” which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 17 also illustrates one embodiment of the gasketed substantiallywater-resistant circumferential seal mechanism 105 between respectiveperipheral lip portions 106, 108 formed around their respective openingsin the dry box container 102 and lid 104. By example and withoutlimitation, the seal mechanism 105 is provided by a circumferentialgroove 206 in either the container lip 106 or the lid lip 108 (shown). Amating tongue 208 is formed in the opposing lip 108 or 106 (shown). Aconventional resiliently pliable foam or rubber o-ring 210 is compressedinto the circumferential groove 206 where it is further compressed whenthe tongue 208 is engaged with the groove 206 upon closing the lid 104relative to the container 102 and engaging the latch mechanism 110.According to one embodiment of the invention, one or both of the groove206 and tongue 208 include an optional circumferential ridge 212, 214projected from the surface toward the opposite window tongue 208 orgroove 206, respectively. When present, the optional circumferentialridge 212 and/or 214 dig into the relatively soft and pliable surface ofthe o-ring 210, which increases the quality of the sealing mechanism 105by adding additional barriers against moisture intrusion.

FIG. 18 is close-up of the substantially water-resistant circumferentialsealing mechanism 180 that illustrates another alternative embodiment ofthe optional barriers 202, 204 shown here, by example and withoutlimitation, as circumferential depressions or grooves in the respectiveframe contact surface 196 and lip portion 186 of the window aperture1113. When present, the optional circumferential groove-type barriers202 and/or 204 provide recessed spaces into which a portion 215 ofmaterial of the relatively soft and pliable peripheral sealing lip 184of the membrane-type panel window 148 extrudes or “flows” under pressurefrom the securing mechanism 197 that secures the window sash 189 to thelid floor 114 under the window aperture 113, or another clampingmechanism 187. The portion 215 of material of the peripheral sealing lip184 that flows into the groove-type barriers 202 and/or 204 increase thequality of the sealing mechanism 180 by both adding additional barriersagainst moisture intrusion, and increasing the hold on the peripheralsealing lip 184 of the respective frame contact surface 196 and lipportion 186.

When the optional circumferential barriers 202, 204 are present, theperipheral sealing lip 184 is optionally formed having a substantiallyplanar surface that is a continuation of the interior window portion 182such that the peripheral sealing lip 184 does not have any increasedthickness. Rather, the circumferential barriers 202, 204 optionallyoperate either to dig into the relatively soft and pliable material ofthe peripheral sealing lip 184, or to extrude the peripheral sealing lip184, thereby eliminating any need for the increased thickness describedherein.

FIG. 18 also illustrates an alternative securing mechanism 197 forsecuring the window sash 189 for compressing the peripheral sealing lip184 of the membrane-type window panel 148 against the contact surface188 of the rigid lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113.Accordingly, the window sash 189 is coupled to the floor 114 of the lid104 using several rigid clips 216 molded integrally with the lid floor114. The stiffness of the clips 216 cause them to snap back over a backor bottom surface 217 formed opposite the contact surface 196 when thewindow sash 189 is pushed deeply into the lid 104, thereby compressingthe seal 184 between the opposing contact surfaces 188 and 196 of thewindow aperture 113 and the window sash 189, respectively. The clips 216rely on their resilience or “springiness” to squeeze the seal 184between the opposing contact surfaces 188 and 196 of the window aperture113 and the window sash 189, respectively.

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the inside of the lid 104showing the membrane-type window panel 148 installed in the lid 104under the window aperture 113, with the central thin resiliently pliablewindow portion 182 positioned under the window aperture 113 and thewindow sash 189 compressing the peripheral sealing lip 184 against therigid lip portion 186 of the window aperture 113 when the multiplefasteners 200 are secured.

FIG. 20 is section view of the lid 104 showing the membrane-type windowpanel 148 installed in the lid 104 under the window aperture 113, withthe peripheral sealing lip 184 compressed between the substantiallyplanar contact surface 196 of the window sash 189 and the rigid lipportion 186 of the window aperture 113 when the multiple fasteners 200are secured.

FIG. 21 is a close-up of an alternative embodiment of the substantiallywater-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180 for themembrane-type window panel 148 having a continuous peripheral sealinglip 218 of the membrane-type window panel 148 being formed as arelatively increased thickness, such as an enlarged lump or raised bumpor swelling of the membrane material of which the widow panel 148 isformed. The peripheral sealing lip 218 surrounds and is integral withthe central flexible window portion 182 of the window panel 148, and byexample and without limitation, is formed symmetrically about the planeof the central flexible window portion 182. The flexible window portion182 is slightly smaller in dimension than the window aperture 113 in thelid 104 with the peripheral sealing lip 218 interfacing with acircumferential ridge 219 formed on the inner periphery of the windowaperture 113 in the plane of the window floor 114. The peripheralsealing lip 218 surrounding the flexible window portion 182 is slightlylarger than the inner peripheral ridge portion 219 of the windowaperture 113. The enlarged peripheral sealing lip 218 is formed with acircumferential groove or slot 220 formed, by example and withoutlimitation, in the plane of the central flexible window portion 182. Thecircumferential slot 220 is sized to engage the ridge portion 219 of theinner periphery of the window aperture 113 under slight compression,with the relatively soft and pliable peripheral sealing lip 218 of themembrane-type window panel 148 spreading to receive the rigid innerperipheral ridge 219 of the window aperture 113.

The combination of the peripheral sealing lip 218 and circumferentialridge 219 thus operate as the clamping mechanism 187 by clamping theperipheral sealing lip 218 of the membrane-type window panel 148 tightlyagainst circumferential ridge 219.

When the circumferential sealing mechanism 180 for the membrane-typewindow panel 148 is configured as the circumferential ridge 219 and slot220, an optional expanding mechanism 221 for expanding peripheralsealing lip 218 of the membrane-type window panel 148 so that the slot220 engages the circumferential ridge 219. For example, the flexiblewindow portion 182 is optionally formed with one or more lengthwisestiffeners 222 (also shown in FIG. 16). In another example, the flexiblewindow portion 182 is also optionally formed with one or more crosswisestiffeners 223 (also shown in FIG. 16). The optional lengthwise andcrosswise stiffeners 222, 223 are, for example, formed of thin andnarrow strips of a stiff yet resiliently flexible spring material, suchas clock spring steel, flat spring steel, high carbon wire, oil temperedwire, music wire, hard-drawn spring steel wire, stainless steel wire,spring brass, phosphor-bronze, silicon-bronze, Monel, Inconel,Duranickel, beryllium copper, or another suitable metal spring-typematerial. Alternatively, the optional lengthwise and crosswisestiffeners 222, 223 are, for example, formed of thin and narrow stripsof a stiff yet resiliently flexible plastic material. The optionallengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 are, for example, coupledto the flexible window portion 182 of the membrane-type window panel 148by being molded or otherwise embedded into the surface of the flexiblewindow portion 182. The optional lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners222, 223 extend substantially up to or even into the peripheral sealinglip 218. The lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 are stiff yetsufficiently flexible to be temporarily bent or flexed without bucklingduring entry of the window panel 148 into the window aperture 113.Additionally, the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 aresufficiently resilient to straighten after entry of the window panel 148into the window aperture 113 and to thereafter expand thecircumferential slot 220 of the peripheral sealing lip 218 into sealingcontact with the circumferential ridge 219 on the inner periphery of thewindow aperture 113. Optionally, the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners222, 223 are sufficiently longer than the respective lengthwise andcrosswise dimensions of the flexible window portion 182 of themembrane-type window panel 148 to impart a slight stretch to theflexible window portion 182. Optionally, the lengthwise and crosswisestiffeners 222, 223 are integral with one another, i.e., made as asingle unit. Alternatively, the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222,223 are independent of one another. According to different embodiments,the optional lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 are coupled tothe flexible window portion 182 of the membrane-type window panel 148 byadhesion onto the surface of the flexible window portion 182 using, forexample, a suitable bonding agent such as RTV adhesive or anothersuitable adhesive.

The optional lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 of theoptional expanding mechanism 221 are positioned to avoid interferencewith viewing and operating the electronic device E. For example, thelengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223 are spaced away from thecenter of the flexible window portion 182 in close proximity to theperipheral sealing lip 218 so as to be positioned outside the footprintof the device display D and the device control key pad P. When one ofthe optional crosswise stiffeners 223 is positioned near the center ofthe flexible window portion 182, its position is optionally adjusted tolie in a nonfunctional area of the electronic device E, such as betweenthe device display D and the device control key pad P, whereby theoptional crosswise stiffeners 223 is adapted to cooperate with theelectronic device E.

According to another embodiment, the optional expanding mechanism 221 isconfigured as an optional hoop stiffener 224 formed as a thin and narrowhoop of a resiliently flexible spring material, such as of one of thespring materials discussed herein, or another suitable spring material.The hoop stiffener 224 is, for example, formed as a continuous loophaving the same general shape as the peripheral sealing lip 218 andbeing only slightly smaller in length and width than the circumferentialslot 220. The optional hoop stiffener 224 is, for example, coupled tothe flexible window portion 182 of the membrane-type window panel 148 bybeing embedded or molded into the surface of the flexible window portion182 in approximately the position occupied by the lengthwise andcrosswise stiffeners 222, 223. Alternatively, the optional hoopstiffener 224 is coupled to the flexible window portion 182 of themembrane-type window panel 148 by adhesion onto the surface of theflexible window portion 182 using, for example, a suitable bonding agentsuch as RTV adhesive or another suitable adhesive. The optional hoopstiffener 224 is thereby spaced away from the center of the flexiblewindow portion 182 in close proximity to the peripheral sealing lip 218so as to be positioned outside the footprint of the device display D andthe device control key pad P. Alternatively, the optional hoop stiffener224 is coupled to the peripheral sealing lip 218, for example, by beingmolded into the surface of the peripheral sealing lip 218. The hoopstiffener 224 is, for example, positioned immediately inboard of thecircumferential slot 220 to exert maximum expansive pressure on thesealing lip 218 to push the slot 220 into sealing contact with thecircumferential ridge 219 on the inner periphery of the window aperture113. The hoop stiffener 224 is optional positioned in the plane of theslot 220 so that moment or torque that could warp the peripheral sealinglip 218 is avoided.

The hoop stiffener 224 of the optional expanding mechanism 221 issufficiently flexible to be temporarily bent or flexed without bucklingduring entry of the window panel 148 into the window aperture 113.Additionally, the hoop stiffener 224 is sufficiently resilient tostraighten after entry of the window panel 148 into the window aperture113 and to thereafter expand the circumferential slot 220 of theperipheral sealing lip 218 into sealing contact with the circumferentialridge 219 on the inner periphery of the window aperture 113.

The circumferential sealing mechanism 180 optionally includes one orboth of the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223. Alternatively,the circumferential sealing mechanism 180 optionally includes the hoopstiffener 224. Optionally, the circumferential sealing mechanism 180optionally includes the hoop stiffener 224 in combination with one orboth of the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lid 104 having thecircumferential ridge 219 formed on the inner periphery of the windowaperture 113 in the plane of the window floor 114.

FIG. 23 is a close-up of the alternative embodiment of the substantiallywater-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180 for themembrane-type window panel 148 having the peripheral sealing lip 218being formed as a relatively enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling ofthe membrane material, and the circumferential slot 220 being sized toengage the ridge portion 219 of the inner periphery of the windowaperture 113. The peripheral sealing lip 218 and circumferential slot220 are shown, by example and without limitation, as being substantiallysymmetrical about the plane PL of the central flexible window portion182. However, such symmetry is not required, and other mating shapes ofthe circumferential slot 220 and ridge portion 219 are also contemplatedand can be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent ofthe present invention.

FIG. 24 is a close-up of another alternative embodiment of thesubstantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180 forthe membrane-type window panel 148 having a continuous peripheralsealing lip 225 of the membrane-type window panel 148 being formed asthe relatively increased thickness, such as an enlarged lump or raisedbump or swelling of the membrane material of which the window panel 148is formed. The peripheral sealing lip 225 surrounds and is integral withthe central flexible window portion 182 of the window panel 148, and byexample and without limitation, is formed symmetrically about the planeof the central flexible window portion 182. The flexible window portion182 is slightly smaller in dimension than the window aperture 113 in thelid 104 with the peripheral sealing lip 225 interfacing with acircumferential ridge 226 formed on the inner periphery of the windowaperture 113 in the plane of the window floor 114. The inner peripheralridge portion 226 of the window aperture 113 is formed as a key with oneor more circumferential protrusions or “teeth” 228 projected away from amain body 230 of the ridge 226 out of the plane of the window floor 114.The peripheral sealing lip 225 surrounding the flexible window portion182 is slightly larger than the inner peripheral ridge portion 226 ofthe window aperture 113. The enlarged peripheral sealing lip 225 isformed with a circumferential groove 232 shown, by example and withoutlimitation, as being in the plane of the central flexible window portion182. The circumferential groove 232 is formed as a keyway having acircumferential slot 234 and one or more circumferential grooves 236.The circumferential slot 234 and grooves 236 are respectively sized toengage the main body 230 and the one or more circumferential teeth 228of the ridge portion 226 of the inner periphery of the window aperture113 under slight compression, with the relatively soft and pliableperipheral sealing lip 225 of the membrane-type window panel 148spreading to receive both the main body 230 and the one or morecircumferential teeth 228 of the rigid inner peripheral ridge 226.

When formed with the circumferential slot 234 and grooves 236, thecircumferential sealing mechanism 180 optionally includes one or both ofthe lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223. Alternatively, thecircumferential sealing mechanism 180 optionally includes the hoopstiffener 224. Optionally, the circumferential sealing mechanism 180optionally includes the hoop stiffener 224 in combination with one orboth of the lengthwise and crosswise stiffeners 222, 223.

FIG. 25 is a close-up of the other alternative embodiment of thesubstantially water-resistant circumferential sealing mechanism 180 forthe membrane-type window panel 148 having the peripheral sealing lip 225being formed as a relatively enlarged lump or raised bump or swelling ofthe membrane material, and the circumferential groove 232 being formedwith the circumferential slot 234 and grooves 236 sized to engage thecircumferential teeth 228 of the ridge portion 226 of the ridge portion226 formed on the inner periphery of the window aperture 113.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thedry box 100 of the invention having the container 102 formed as a pocketthat is sized and structured to receive the portable electronic deviceE. The lid 104 covers an opening 240 in one end of the container 102 andis hinged thereto along one coincident edge by any conventional hingemechanism 242. When closed over the opening 240, the lid 104 is securedusing any convenient latch mechanism 110. For example, the latchmechanism 110 is one of the latch mechanisms 110 disclosed herein, andoptionally includes any of the circumferential seal mechanism 105disclosed herein. Alternatively, the latch mechanism 110 is illustrated,by example and without limitation, as a hook and loop fastener systemhaving first and second portions 110 a, 110 b on opposing portions ofthe container 102 and lid 104. When the electronic device E is installedin the dry box, the device display D is positioned behind the magnifier112, which is any of the different magnification mechanisms describedherein, including the optically transparent conventional convex lens,and the optically transparent Fresnel lens, or another magnificationmechanism capable of enlarging the appearance of a display portion D bya desired percentage which makes information appearing on the display Dappear larger, and therefore, easier to view. Furthermore, the windowaperture 113 is optionally fitted with the combination viewing panel 178that includes the optically transparent window panel 148 as a normalviewing portion in combination with the magnifier 112. Alternatively,the window aperture 113 is optionally fitted with the opticallytransparent normal-viewing window panel 148 formed as the thin opticallytransparent resiliently pliable membrane without magnification thatoperates as a normal viewing window for viewing the display D andsimultaneously operates as a touch screen for operating the control keypad P of the portable electronic device E, wherein the magnifier 112 isprovided as the one of the movable magnifiers 112 described herein thatare movable relative to the window aperture 113 such that the opticallytransparent normal-viewing window panel 148 is accessible to the user.Accordingly, such alternatives are also contemplated and can besubstituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the presentinvention.

As shown, the dry box 100 may not be completely weather tight, since thelid 104 may not completely seal the opening 240 in the end of thecontainer 102. However, the dry box 100 is expected to be reasonablywater-resistant when the sealing mechanism 105 is utilized betweenrespective peripheral lip portions 244, 246 formed around the opening240 and the lid 104.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention wherein a the magnifier 112 is provided as part of acover mechanism 300 that is snapped over the portable electronic deviceE with the magnifier 112 positioned over the display D. The magnifier112 resides on a top face 302 of the cover 300 over a window aperture304 that is sized to permit viewing of the device display D through thetop face 302 of the cover 300. A pair of opposing side wings 306, 308project downward from the bottom face of the cover 300 opposite themagnifier 112. The side wings 306, 308 are resiliently pliable and snapover the opposing sides ES1, ES2 electronic device E. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the side wings 306, 308 include matchingtabs 310, 312 that couple with structure S of the formed in the opposingsides ES1, ES2 electronic device E for securely attaching the cover 300to the electronic device E with the magnifier 112 arranged over thedisplay D. For example, the structure S is a side slot found in manysuch portable electronic devices E between separable top and bottomcovers Et, Eb. Accordingly, the tabs 310, 312 wedge into the side slotstructure S as a simple attachment mechanism for securing the cover 300to the portable electronic device E. The magnifier 112 is slidable ontoand over the display D by a sliding engagement between the tabs 310, 312and the side slot structure S. Accordingly, the magnifier 112 isslidable over the device control key pad P when the cover mechanism 300is moved by sliding the tabs 310, 312 along the side slot structure S,whereby the user has a magnified view of the buttons.

Other conventional catch mechanisms are also contemplated and can besubstituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the presentinvention. For example, device manufacturers provide many portableelectronic devices E with the structure S a pair of notches N formedalong the opposing device sides ES1, ES2 for securing the devices E in aholding bracket. As an alternative to wedging into a slot structure S,the tabs 310, 312 on the side wings 306, 308 fit into the notchstructure N for attaching cover mechanism 300 to the portable electronicdevice E. The tabs 310, 312 may also be slidably engaged with the notchstructure N and slidable along the structure.

The window aperture 113 is positioned over the device display D with themagnifier 112 there over for enlarging the appearance of a displayportion D. For example, the magnifier 112 magnifies the display D about150 percent or more when the cover 300 is positioned about arm's lengthfrom the user's face, but may be any desired magnification which makesinformation appearing on the display D appear larger, and therefore,easier to view. The magnifier 112 is any of the different magnificationmechanisms described herein, including the optically transparentconventional convex lens, and the optically transparent Fresnel lens, oranother magnification mechanism capable of enlarging the appearance of adisplay portion D by a desired percentage which makes informationappearing on the display D appear larger, and therefore, easier to view.

The side wings 306, 308 of the cover mechanism 300 operate incombination with the tabs 310, 312 and the device side slot S or notchesN to provide an offset mechanism 313 for offsetting the magnifier 112 ata selected distance from the display D that effectively focuses themagnifier 112 on the display D.

The cover mechanism 300 is formed with an overall length that ensuresthat, while the magnifier 112 covers the device display D, the bottomedge 314 is sized to clear the device control key pad P so the user canaccess and manipulate the buttons.

The magnifier 112 and the cover mechanism 300 may be coupled using anymechanism whereby the magnifier 112 can be secured to the cover 300.This includes snapping, clamping, fastening, sliding, gluing, adhering,or any other method for securing two components together.

Alternatively, the magnifier 112 is integral with the cover mechanism300, both being formed of the optically transparent material of themagnifier 112. For example, the magnifier 112 and cover 300 are bothformed of glass, acrylic, plastic, or polycarbonate, or anther opticallytransparent material capable of being formed into an opticalmagnification mechanism. The length of the side wings 306, 308 isselected for spacing the magnifier 112 an appropriate distance from thedisplay D when installed onto the electronic device E. The thickness ofthe side wings 306, 308 is selected to provide sufficient resilientflexibility to spread over the opposing sides ES1, ES2 electronic deviceE and clamp the matching tabs 310, 312 into the slot S between theseparable top and bottom covers Et, Eb.

FIG. 28 illustrates another alternative means for securing the covermechanism 300 to the portable electronic device E with the magnifier 112positioned over the display D. For example, each of the opposing sidewings 306, 308 include a gripping mechanism 316. By example and withoutlimitation, the gripping mechanism is embodied as a pair of resilientpads 318 formed on each of the opposing side wings 306, 308. Theresilient pads 318 operate to grip the opposing sides ES1, ES2electronic device E and clamp the cover mechanism 300 thereto. Forexample, the resilient pads 318 are elastomeric pads formed of PVC,rubber, or silicone sheet material, or another resilient elastomericmaterial having a high coefficient of surface friction for gripping theusually smooth sides ES1, ES2 electronic device E. The resilient pads318 are adhered to the respective side wings 306, 308 of the cover 300using, by example and without limitation, a RTV adhesive or anothersuitable adhesive, or a conventional PSA. Optionally, the side wings306, 308 of the cover mechanism 300 include the offset mechanism 313that is embodied, by example and without limitation, as a pair of stops320, 322 that are projected inward of the respective wings 306, 308. Thepair of stops 320, 322 are structured to engage the surface of thedevice top cover Et for offsetting the magnifier 112 at a selecteddistance from the display D that effectively focuses the magnifier 112on the display D.

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the magnifier 112 thatis structured for being attached to the electronic device E in aposition over the display D. The magnifier 112 is either fitted over thedisplay D and attached to a top surface Ets of the electronic device E,or the magnifier 112 is integrated into the top surface Ets of theelectronic device E and replaces the usual screen of the display D. Themagnifier 112 is any of the different magnification mechanisms describedherein, including the optically transparent conventional convex lens,and the optically transparent Fresnel lens, or another magnificationmechanism capable of enlarging the appearance of a display portion D bya desired percentage which makes information appearing on the display Dappear larger, and therefore, easier to view.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the magnifier 112 isadhered to the top surface Ets of the electronic device E using asuitable adhesive. Alternatively, one or more flexible clips 324 formedeither on the top surface Ets of the electronic device E, or as part ofa separate band 326 that fits around the electronic device E.Alternatively, the band 326 is an elastic band that is attached toopposite sides of the magnifier 112. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the magnifier 112 is formed with one or more flexible clips328 that extend from the magnifier 112 and clip the magnifier 112 into arelief R frequently formed in the top surface Ets of the electronicdevice E and outlining the display D. Other conventional mechanisms foreither permanently or temporarily coupling the magnifier 112 to theelectronic device E over the display D are similarly contemplated,including snapping, clamping, fastening, sliding, gluing, adhering, orany other method for securing two components together, and can besubstituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the presentinvention. By example and without limitation, an adhesion bond 330 isformed between the magnifier 112 and the top surface Ets of theelectronic device E using, for example, an RTV adhesive of the typediscussed herein.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the Fresnel lens magnifier112 formed of the thin resiliently pliable membrane that operatesmagnify the appearance of both the display D of the electronic device E.For example, the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is a sheet of flexiblemagnifying plastic of a type that is discussed herein. As such, theplastic material of the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is cut or otherwiseformed to fit into the relief R in the top surface Ets of the electronicdevice E. When pressed against the surface of the device display D andair bubbles are squeeze out of the interface, the pliable membraneFresnel lens magnifier 112 effectively adheres to the display D withouteither the flexible tabs 328 or an adhesive. Installation of themagnifier 112 is thus greatly simplified.

FIG. 30 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the magnifier 112that is structured for being attached to the electronic device E in aposition over the display D. The magnifier 112 is coupled to a bracket332 by a permanently bendable rod 334, by example and withoutlimitation, a permanently bendable aluminum rod of the type described byRichter in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,910, “Flexible Support Arm for SupportingObjects,” which is incorporated herein by reference. The permanentlybendable rod 334 may be formed of another metal or a permanentlybendable plastic, or twisted metal wires inside plastic of a type whichis well-known in the art. A joint 335 couples the rod 334 to the bracket332. For example, the rod 334 is bonded, soldered, welded, clamped,adhesively bonded or otherwise mechanically coupled by another knowncoupling method or device to the bracket 332 in a position that permitsthe magnifier 112 to be positioned over the display D of the electronicdevice E for viewing the display D having a magnified appearance.

The permanently bendable rod 334 is coupled to the magnifier 112, byexample and without limitation, by adhesive bonding into an aperture 336(shown in phantom) formed in the material of the magnifier 112, asshown. Other means for coupling the permanently bendable rod 334 to themagnifier 112 are also contemplated and can be substituted withoutdeviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. Forexample, the permanently bendable rod 334 is alternatively bonded,soldered, welded, clamped, adhesively bonded or otherwise mechanicallycoupled to the magnifier 112 by another known coupling method or device.

The bracket 332 is optionally coupled to the device E by a pair of sidewings snapping over the opposing sides ES1, ES2 of the device E and tabs310, 312 wedging into the side slot structure S or into the notchstructure N, as discussed in FIG. 27. Alternatively, the bracket 332include side wings formed with the gripping mechanism 316 that grips theopposing sides ES1, ES2 electronic device E and clamp the bracket 332thereto, as discussed in FIG. 28.

According to one embodiment of the bracket 332 of the invention, thebracket 332 includes a pair of “C” or “U”-shaped channels 338 slightlydeeper than a thickness of the target device E and coupled together by abridge 340 that spaces the channels 338 slightly wider than the width ofthe device E. Thus sized and spaced, the channels 338 slide over thebody of the device E and engage with a sufficiently close fit as to beretained by the device E, yet loosely enough to be easily disengaged.Thus, the magnifier 112 is easily temporarily installed on theelectronic device E and is easily arranged over the display D ordisplaced from its magnifying position.

The rod is optionally bent to displace the magnifier 112 from itsposition for magnifying the display D, such as when the user does notrequire or desire to view the magnified appearance. Accordingly, the rod334 is bent upwardly away from the display D in the direction indicatedby the arrow “Z,” whereby the magnifier 112 is bendably displaced fromits magnifying position. Alternatively, the rod 334 is twisted sidewaysrelative to the display D in the direction indicated by the arrow “Y,”whereby the magnifier 112 is also displaced from its magnifyingposition.

FIG. 31 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the magnifier112 that is structured for being attached to the electronic device E ina position over the display D. The magnifier 112 is coupled to theelectronic device E by a mechanical snap lock mechanism 342, by exampleand without limitation, a snap lock mechanism of the type disclosed bySoennichsen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,096, “Snap Fastener with a SafetyLock,” or by Toth, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,830, “Snap-on Spring RetainerLock,” which are both incorporated herein by reference. Other mechanicaland magnetic snap lock mechanisms are generally well-known in the artand are also contemplated and can be substituted without deviating fromthe scope and intent of the present invention. For example, a magneticsnap lock mechanism of the type disclosed either by Bauer in U.S. Pat.No. 5,953,795, “Magnetic Snap Lock,” or by Kaufman in U.S. Pat. No.6,009,601, “Magnetic Snap Lock,” or another magnetic snap lock mechanismcan be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of thepresent invention.

The magnifier 112 is coupled to a stiff metal or plastic shaft 344having a resilient locking head 346. For example, the magnifier 112 iscoupled to a head 348 (shown in phantom) of the shaft 344 opposite thelocking head 346 by being adhered, soldered, welded, clamped, adhesivelybonded or otherwise mechanically coupled by another known couplingmethod or device. The locking head 346 is structured to engage a matingretainer lock 350 that is coupled to the top surface Ets of theelectronic device E in a position that permits the magnifier 112 to bepositioned over the display D of the device E for viewing the display Dhaving a magnified appearance by a joint 351 between a base 353 of theretainer lock 350 and the device top surface Ets, whereby the retainerlock 350 is adhered, soldered, welded, clamped, adhesively bonded orotherwise mechanically coupled by another known coupling method ordevice to the top surface Ets of the electronic device E. The shaft 344is sized to cooperate with the retainer lock 350 offset the magnifier112 at a selected distance from the display D that effectively focusesthe magnifier 112 on the display D.

The resilient locking head 346 is formed, by example and withoutlimitation, having a pair of resiliently flexible spaced-apart teeth 352structured to compress for entering a mating aperture 354 in the matingretainer lock 350 with a light hand-pushing pressure, and similarly tocompress for disengaging from the aperture 354. The magnifier 112 isthus detachable from the electronic device E. Therefore, when multiplemating retainer lock 350 are acquired and coupled to surfaces of otherdevices, including other electronic devices, the magnifier 112 isuseable for viewing a magnified appearance of any device display orother object desired by the user.

The shaft 344 optionally includes a stabilizing mechanism 356 forstabilizing the magnifier 112 relative to the device E and display D. Byexample and without limitation, the stabilizing mechanism 356 isprovided, by example and without limitation, by a collar 358 fixed onthe shaft 344 adjacent to the locking head 346 at a distance thatresults in engagement with a top surface 360 of the retainer lock 350when the locking head 346 is engaged with the retainer lock 350. Otherstabilizing mechanisms are also contemplated and can be substitutedwithout deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.

The locking head 346 is substantially conical with the shaft 344 beingsubstantially cylindrical such that the locking head 346 and shaft 344are rotatable relative to the retainer lock 350. Accordingly, thelocking head 346 and shaft 344 are rotatable about the longitudinal axisof the shaft 344 over the display D in the directions indicated by thearrows “+X” and “−X,” whereby the magnifier 112 is rotatably placed intoits magnifying position. Also, the locking head 346 and shaft 344 arerotatable away from the display D in the directions indicated by thearrows “+X” and “−X,” whereby the magnifier 112 is rotatably displacedfrom its magnifying position.

The locking head 346 and retainer lock 350 are optionally formed withone or more mating flats 362, 364 that, when engaged, fix the relativerotational orientation of the locking head 346 to the retainer lock 350,whereby the magnifier 112 is rotationally fixed over the display D inits magnifying position.

Optionally, when engaged, the mating flats 362, 364 fix the magnifier112 rotationally displaced from its magnifying position. The matingflats 362, 364 are optionally structured by a well-known method ofrelative sizing to permit a user to rotate the locking head 346 relativeto the retainer lock 350 for rotatably placing the magnifier 112 into ordisplacing it from its magnifying position over the display D. Accordingto one embodiment, a portion (indicated at 362) of the shaft 344adjacent to the locking head 346 is square, rectangular, hexagonal,octagonal or another multi-sided shape and is matched by a cooperatingshape in the mating aperture 354, whereby multiple mating flats 362, 364are provided between the locking head 346 and the retainer lock 350.Thus, a light rotational force is required to rotate the locking head346 relative to the mating aperture 354, whereby the magnifier 112 isfixed in a different rotational orientation with the display D.

FIG. 32 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the mechanicalsnap lock mechanism 342, wherein the magnifier 112 is shown in phantomto provide an unobstructed view of the snap lock mechanism 342 that theinventor believes is novel. Accordingly, by example and withoutlimitation, the mechanical snap lock mechanism 342 is a snap lockmechanism structured for rotation about the longitudinal axis of theshaft 344 over the display D in the directions indicated by the arrows“+X” and “−X,” whereby the magnifier 112 is rotatably placed into itsmagnifying position. Also, the mechanical snap lock mechanism 342 isrotatable away from the display D in the directions indicated by thearrows “+X” and “−X,” whereby the magnifier 112 is rotatably displacedfrom its magnifying position. For example, the locking head 346 isformed as a ball with a part spherical exterior shape, and the matingaperture 354 of the retainer lock 350 is formed as a cooperating socketwith a part spherical interior cavity (indicated at 354). The outershell or exterior surface (indicated at 350) of the retainer lock 350 isillustrated having a part spherical shape merely to emphasize the partspherical shape of the interior cavity of the mating aperture 354. Inpractice, the outer shell or exterior surface of the retainer lock 350is expected to have a cylindrical shape for ease of manufacturing. Theball locking head 346 is sized the same or slightly larger than the partspherical interior cavity of the mating aperture 354 such that, wheninstalled in the mating aperture 354, the ball locking head 346 exerts alight expansive force on the surrounding mating aperture 354. Theexpansive force exerted by the ball locking head 346 results in africtional engagement between the ball locking head 346 and thesurrounding mating aperture 354, whereby the ball locking head 346 isrotationally fixed relative to the surrounding mating aperture 354, anda light rotational force is required to rotate the ball locking head 346relative to the mating aperture 354.

A slot 366 is formed in the wall surface of the retainer lock 350 andcutting into the part spherical interior cavity of the mating aperture354. The slot 366 permits the mating aperture 354 to spread to admit theball locking head 346 through a mouth or opening (also indicated at 354)into the mating aperture 354 that is smaller than the interior cavity ofthe mating aperture 354 and, consequently, smaller than the ball lockinghead 346. The retainer lock 350 is manufactured of a resiliently elasticmaterial, such as plastic, whereby the slot 366 closes and the partspherical interior cavity of the mating aperture 354 returnssubstantially to its pre-engagement condition after the ball lockinghead 346 is entered into and engaged with the mating retainer lock 350.Thus, the ball locking head 346 is engaged with the retainer lock 350using a light hand-pushing pressure. Similarly, the slot 366 and fordisengaging the ball locking head 346 from the aperture 354.

The collar 358 of the stabilizing mechanism 356 is fixed on the shaft344 adjacent to the locking head 346 at a distance that results inengagement with the top surface 360 of the retainer lock 350 when thelocking head 346 is engaged with the retainer lock 350. Otherstabilizing mechanisms are also contemplated and can be substitutedwithout deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.

The collar 358 and the shaft 344 between the collar 358 and the balllocking head 346 are both formed with flats 362 that remove portions onopposing sides of the collar 358 and shaft 344. The remaining collar andshaft material is thus formed with the flats 362 that are sized to fitinto the slot 366 in the retainer lock 350. The flats 362 permit theshaft 344 to enter into the slot 366 such that, when the locking head346 is rotated within the retainer lock 350, the shaft 344 is swiveledby an angle “a” in the away from the display D in the directionindicated by the arrow “Z,” whereby the magnifier 112 is displaced byswiveling from its magnifying position. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the slot 366 is deep enough to permit the shaft 344 toswivel to a swivel angle a of 90 degrees or more, whereby the magnifier112 is swiveled completely clear of the device display D. Alternatively,the slot 366 is relatively shallow, whereby the shaft 366 is restrictedto a swivel angle a of about 30 to 45 degrees. According to oneembodiment, the collar 358 collides with and operates against a surfaceof the outer shell or exterior surface (indicated at 350) of theretainer lock 350 between the slot 366 and the retainer lock base 353,such that the shaft 344 does not encounter the extreme end (not visible)of the slot 366 distal from the mouth or opening (indicated at 354) intothe mating aperture 354. According to one embodiment, the slot 366 andshaft 344 are relatively sized to fit snugly together such that afriction force is generated between them during the swiveling operation,whereby a light hand-pushing pressure is used to swivel the shaft 344through the slot 366. Alternatively, the slot 366 and shaft 344 arerelatively sized to fit loosely together such that little or no effortis required to swivel the shaft 344 through the slot 366. Accordingly,the slight flick of a finger is used to swivel the shaft 344 through theslot 366, whereby the magnifier 112 is swiveled into its magnifyingposition or swiveled out of its magnifying position.

FIG. 33 is a close-up view a variation of the novel mechanical snap lockmechanism 342 illustrated in FIG. 32 with the magnifier 112 removed forclarity. The mouth or opening (indicated at 354) into the matingaperture 354 of the retainer lock 350 is formed with one or more flats364 that mate with the flats 362 on the shaft 344. The mating flats 362,364, when engaged, fix the relative rotational orientation of the balllocking head 346 to the retainer lock 350, whereby the magnifier 112 isrotationally fixed over the display D in its magnifying position.

Optionally, when engaged, the mating flats 362, 364 fix the magnifier112 rotationally displaced from its magnifying position. The matingflats 362, 364 are optionally structured by a well-known method ofrelative sizing to permit a user to rotate the locking head 346 relativeto the retainer lock 350 for rotatably placing the magnifier 112 into ordisplacing it from its magnifying position over the display D. Accordingto one embodiment, a portion (indicated at 362) of the shaft 344adjacent to the locking head 346 is square, rectangular, hexagonal,octagonal or another multi-sided shape and is matched by a cooperatingshape in the mouth or opening of the mating aperture 354, wherebymultiple mating flats 362, 364 are provided between the locking head 346and the retainer lock 350. Thus, a light rotational force is required torotate the ball locking head 346 relative to the mating aperture 354,even when the ball locking head 346 is sized smaller than the partspherical interior cavity of the mating aperture 354 such that the balllocking head 346 is otherwise easily rotatable within the matingaperture 354. Thus, the magnifier 112 is fixed in a different rotationalorientation with the display D.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.For example, the different mechanism disclosed herein are optionallycombined in different ways to achieve similar results in differentembodiments of the invention. In one specific example, the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in FIG. 30 is easily combined with themechanical and magnetic snap lock mechanisms taught in the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 31, such that the permanently bendable rod 334 ismodified to be coupled to a bracket 332 by one of the mechanical andmagnetic snap lock mechanisms by modifying the rod 334 to include thelocking head 346 and modifying the bracket 332 to include the retainerlock 350. Alternatively, the permanently bendable rod 334 is substitutedin the embodiment of FIG. 31 for the shaft 344 and again is modified toinclude the locking head 346 for mating with the retainer lock 350coupled directly to the electronic device E. Therefore, the inventormakes the following claims.

Protective Cover

When the Fresnel lens magnifier 112 is made thin substantially flexibleand is positioned in close proximity to or even in direct contact withthe electronic device E, substantially normal finger pressure iseffective for communicating tactile inputs to the electronic device E,i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P. However, the thinand flexible character of this embodiment of the lens magnifier 112leaves the device more sensitive to exposure to rough treatment and theelements in general. Even the hard and glass embodiments of the lensmagnifier 112 are subject to damage if the insult is severe enough.

Alternatively, as discussed above herein the optically transparentnormal-viewing window panel 148 in the window aperture 113 is a thinoptically transparent resiliently pliable membrane without magnificationthat operates as a normal viewing window for viewing both the display Dand control key pad P of the electronic device E. Simultaneously, themembrane-type window panel 148 operates as a touch screen for operatingthe portable electronic device E. For example, the membrane-type windowpanel 148 permits communicating tactile inputs to the electronic deviceE, i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P. Membranes of thetype used for making the membrane-type window panel 148 are also subjectto damage if the insult is severe enough.

The protective case for an electronic device as taught Richardson inU.S. Pat. No. 6,646,864 is another dry storage box that has a touchscreen. Richardson's box includes a thin plastic membrane in one surfacethat is adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronicdevice and allows tactile inputs to the device's touch screen interfacewhile the device is secured inside the case.

Experience with the Richardson protective case indicates that oneshortcoming of such protective boxes is severe and permanent damage thatthe thin plastic membrane suffers from prolonged exposure to sunlight,which is likely to occur when the protective case is used as intended toprotect the electronic device from exposure to the elements. The thinplastic membrane suffers under prolonged exposure to the heat of the sunwhen the device is mounted on a boat, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle(ATV) and used during prolonged outdoor activities. The thin plasticmembrane can heat up enough to cause irreparable damage even whenmounted inside a car or truck, especially if it is mounted on thevehicle dash just below the windscreen and in direct sunlight. Theprolonged exposure to the sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation may also be adetrimental factor. The plastic membrane may become stiff andunresponsive to tactile inputs, thereby rendering the case ineffectivefor its intended purpose. The membrane may become sufficiently dry withtime that it could crack, thereby losing its ability to seal theelectronic device within from rain and damp. With time, too, opticalperformance of the membrane may suffer leaving the user unable toeffectively view the protected device.

Replacement of the membrane is an option that is not always viable. Forexample, the user may not have a spare membrane, and running to run tothe store or waiting for a replacement by mail may not be feasible.

Accordingly, the present invention for protects delicate surfaces of theprotective dry box 100.

FIG. 34 illustrates the present invention embodied as a relativelymovable protective cover 400 for protecting delicate surfaces of theprotective dry box 100. The protective cover 400 is embodied having ashield 412 that is sized to cover all or a substantial portion of thefloor portion 114 of the dry box lid 104. Alternatively, the shield 412is sized to cover either all or at least a portion of either the windowaperture 113 formed in the dry box lid 104, or the magnifier 112 ormembrane-type window panel 148 positioned in the window aperture 113.Hereinafter, the magnifier 112 formed in the floor portion 114 of thedry box lid 104, the window aperture 113 formed in the dry box lid 104,and either the magnifier 112 or membrane-type window panel 148positioned in the window aperture 113 are all referred to in common as a“viewing port” 410 in the lid 104 of the dry box 100. At least theshield 412 of the protective cover 400 is movable relative to theviewing port 410 for physically accessing the viewing port 410. Forexample, when the viewing port is formed as the membrane-type windowpanel 148, the protective cover 400 is movable so that the user mayaccess the membrane 148 for communicating tactile inputs to theelectronic device E, i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P,and otherwise manipulating raised buttons or toggle switches of thecontrol key pad P.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protectivecover 400 is formed of a rigid material with at least the material ofthe shield 412 being substantially optically transparent or at leastoptically semi-transparent to permit viewing the part or all of theelectronic device E within the box 100. Furthermore, the transparentshield material is substantially scratch resistant. For example, theshield 412 is formed of an acrylic or polycarbonate material. Thetransparent shield 412 is thus a substantially optically transparentwindow panel that protects delicate surfaces of the protective dry box100 from scrapes, scratches, drops, dents, flying rocks and otherdebris, and other sources of potential damage, while permitting visualaccess to the viewing port for viewing of the box interior 128 (shown inFIG. 3). Such delicate surfaces of the protective dry box 100 includefor example the viewing port 410 in the lid 104: the floor portion 114of the dry box lid 104, the window aperture 113, and any of themagnifier 112, or the membrane-type window panel 148, or another plateor glass fixed in the window aperture 113. The opticallysemi-transparent or transparent shield 412 optionally includesproperties that limit or preclude transmission of UV radiationtherethrough. For example, the shield 412 is coated with a knownmaterial of the type commonly applied to sun glasses for shielding thewearer's eyes from harmful UV rays of the sun. Accordingly, the shield412 protects the floor portion 114 of the dry box lid 104, including theviewing port 410, as well as the box interior cavity 128, from harmfulradiation, while simultaneously permitting unhindered viewing of theelectronic device E or other contents within the box 100 through the boxlid floor 114 or the viewing port 410.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, thesemi-transparent or transparent shield 412 is adapted to protect the boxlid floor 114 or the viewing port 410, as well as the box interiorcavity 128, from heat caused by intense or prolonged sunlight. Byexample and without limitation, the semi-transparent or transparentshield 412 is partially light polarized such that it operates as a sunscreen to shade protected portions of the box 100 and its interiorcavity 128 from sunlight. For example, a polarizing treatment of thetype commonly applied to sun glasses is applied to the semi-transparentor transparent shield 412. In another exemplary embodiment, thesemi-transparent or transparent shield 412 is provided with a reflectiveor mirror finish of the type commonly applied to sun glasses, wherebybright light is deflected and the normally semi-transparent ortransparent shield 412 is made temporarily optically opaque, while theshield 412 is optically semi-transparent or transparent in dimmer lightor when backlit as by glowing of the display D or control key pad P ofthe electronic device E.

Alternatively, the shield 412 is permanently optically opaque so thatthe box lid floor 114, the window aperture 113, the magnifier 112, orthe membrane-type window panel 148 behind the shield 412, as well as thebox interior cavity 128, are always protected from light and heat and UVradiation. For example, the opaque shield 412 is molded or otherwiseformed of an optically opaque plastic, polycarbonate, composite or resinmaterial having UV resistant properties. The optically opaque shield 412is alternatively formed of a metal, for example aluminum, stainlesssteel, brass or another metal.

FIG. 35 illustrates the relatively moveable protective cover 400 of thepresent invention embodied by example and without limitation as aslidingly moveable protective cover.

When the sliding protective cover 400 is positioned relative to the boxlid 104 in a covering relationship with the lid floor 114 and theviewing port 410 formed therein, e.g., the membrane-type window panel148, the sliding protective cover 400 protects the viewing port 410 fromdamage. When the sliding protective cover 400 is slid relative to thebox lid 104, the membrane-type window panel 148 or other viewing port410 is exposed for physical manipulation. For example, when the viewingport is formed as the membrane-type window panel 148, the protectivecover 400 is slidably movable relative to the box lid 104 so that theuser may access the membrane 148 for communicating tactile inputs to theelectronic device E, i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P,and otherwise manipulating raised buttons or toggle switches of thecontrol key pad P.

The sliding protective cover 400 is illustrated as being slid downrelative to the box 100 to expose an upper portion of the lid floor 114that contains the viewing port 410 therein, i.e., the window aperture113, the magnifier 112, or the membrane-type window panel 148 (shown).The sliding protective cover 400 is structured in cooperation with thebox lid 104 to slide the transparent, semi-transparent or opaque shield412 relative to the lid floor 114. By example and without limitation,according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thesliding protective cover 400 is structured with side wings 414 alongopposite sides of the shield 412. A slide mechanism 415 is structuredbetween the side wings 414 of the sliding protective cover 400 and thelid 104 of the dry box 100. By example and without limitation, each ofthe side wings 414 is structured with a rail 416 along one edge thereofopposite from the shield 412. Channels 418 on either side of the box lid104 on opposite sides of the lid floor 114 are structured as grooves orslots that accept the rails 416 therein for sliding the protective cover400 along the box 100 relative to the lid floor 114, as well as theviewing port 410 therein. Alternatively, the rails 416 are formed alongthe box lid floor 114, and the channels 418 are formed along the edgesof the protective cover side wings 414.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism isprovided to hold the sliding cover 400 in place relative to the box lid104 as to require an applied pressure to move the sliding cover 400along the box lid 104 in the upward and downward directions indicated bythe double-headed arrow. For example, the side wings 414 themselves, orthe connections between the side wings 414 and the shield 412, aresufficiently flexible as to be spread slightly outward, opposite theinwardly curved arrows, to slip onto the lid 104. This flexibility issufficient to bias the side wings 414 to tend to close the spread, asindicated by the inwardly curved arrows, which generates a slighttension between the rails and the channels 416, 418 that tends to holdthe sliding cover 400 in place relative to the box lid 104. Othermechanisms are also known for holding the sliding cover 400 in placerelative to the box lid 104, such as a series of notches and matingteeth formed between the rails and the channels 416, 418. Anothermechanism is an elastomer strip, such as neoprene or rubber, insertedbetween the rails and the channels 416, 418 that increases frictiontherebetween. These and other holding mechanisms are believed to besubstantially equivalent and may be substituted without deviatingoutside the scope of the invention.

The sliding protective cover 400 is positioned relative to the box 100having the shield 412 covering all or a portion of the lid floor 114 andspaced at least slightly thereabove to provide a clearance space thatpermits the sliding protective cover 400 to slide relative to the lidfloor 114. The slide mechanism 415 couples the sliding protective cover400 to the box lid 104 so that it travels with the lid 104 independentlyof the remainder of the dry box 100. Thus, the user may disengage thebox latch mechanism 110 and open the box 100, without having to accountfor the sliding protective cover 400. Even when the cover 400 is slid upor down relative to the lid floor 114, the lid 104 may be raised orlowered relative to the box container 102, without having to account forthe cover 400 which simply and efficiently rides along with the box lid104.

FIG. 36 illustrates the sliding protective cover 400 having the slidemechanism 415 structured between the side wings 414 of the slidingprotective cover 400 and the lid 104 of the dry box 100. The slidingprotective cover 400 is illustrated with the shield 412 slid up relativeto the box 100 to expose an lower portion of the lid floor 114 thatcontains, for example, the window aperture 113, the magnifier 112, orthe membrane-type window panel 148 therein.

FIG. 37 is an end section view showing the sliding protective cover 400showing the slide mechanism 415 structured between the side wings 414 ofthe sliding protective cover 400 and the lid 104 of the dry box 100. Asdiscussed herein, the shield 412 is spaced at least slightly above thelid floor 114 to provide clearance that permits the sliding protectivecover 400 to slide relative to the lid floor 114. The rails 416 of theslide mechanism 415 are shown as cooperating with the channels 418. Byexample and without limitation, the rails 416 are shown as being part ofthe protective cover side wings 414, and the channels 418 are shown asbeing part of the box lid 104.

FIG. 38 is an end section view showing an alternative embodiment havingthe channels 418 formed as part of the protective cover side wings 414when the rails 416 are formed on the box lid 104.

FIG. 39 illustrates the protective cover 400 of the present inventionembodied as an alternative hinged protective cover that is rotatablymovable relative to the floor portion 114 of the dry box lid 104. Thehinged protective cover 400 is structured with the side wings 414 alongopposite sides of the shield 412. A hinge mechanism 420 is structuredbetween one of the side wings 414 of the hinged protective cover 400 andthe lid 104 of the dry box 100. A clasp or catch mechanism 422 isstructured between the other side wing 414 and the lid 104 of the drybox 100, whereby the shield 412 is latched in place over the lid floor114. By example and without limitation, the catch mechanism 422 isstructured similarly to the catch mechanism 156 described herein. Forexample, the catch mechanism 422 is formed by a recess or detent 424 inthe lid 104 and a mating tongue 426 formed along an edge of one the sidewing 414 opposite from the hinge mechanism 420. Other conventional catchmechanisms are also contemplated and can be substituted withoutdeviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. Whenengaged, the catch mechanism 422 holds the shield 412 securely to thebox lid 104 in a covering relationship with the lid floor 114 and theviewing port 410 formed therein, e.g., the membrane-type window panel148. When the catch mechanism 422 is disengaged, the protective cover400 is rotatable by the hinge mechanism 420 away from the box lid 104,thereby exposing the membrane-type window panel 148 or other viewingport 410 for physical manipulation. For example, when the viewing portis formed as the membrane-type window panel 148, the protective cover400 is rotatably movable the hinge mechanism 420 so that the user mayaccess the membrane 148 for communicating tactile inputs to theelectronic device E, i.e., depressing the keys of the control key pad P,and otherwise manipulating raised buttons or toggle switches of thecontrol key pad P.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the side wing 414or another portion of the hinged protective cover 400 is formed with ahandle mechanism 428 for opening the hinged protective cover 400 bypressing thereon. For example, the shield 412 or side wing 414 issufficiently flexible to permit thumb pressure against the handle 428 todisengage the tongue 426 from the detent 424 so that the user may swingthe cover 400 on the hinge 420.

The hinged protective cover 400 is positioned relative to the box 100having the shield 412 covering all or a portion of the lid floor 114 andspaced at least slightly thereabove to provide a clearance space thatavoids detrimental contact between the shield 412 and the magnifier 112or the viewing port 410 formed in the lid floor 114, e.g., themembrane-type window panel 148. The hinge mechanism 420 couples thesliding protective cover 400 to the box lid 104 so that it travels withthe lid 104 independently of the remainder of the dry box 100. Thus, theuser may disengage the box latch mechanism 110 and open the box 100,without having to account for the hinged protective cover 400. Even whenthe clasp mechanism 422 is disengaged and the shield 412 is free to moverelative to the lid floor 114, the lid 104 may be raised or loweredrelative to the box container 102, without having to account for thecover 400 which simply and efficiently rides along with the box lid 104.

FIG. 40 illustrates another embodiment of the hinged protective cover400 wherein the hinge mechanism 420 is structured in common with the lidhinge 116 that couples the lid 104 to the box's container 102. Accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, respective hinge knuckles430, 432 of the lid and cover hinge mechanisms 116, 420 are interleavedwith hinge knuckles 434 of the container 102, and all the hinge knuckles430, 432, 434 share a common hinge pin 436.

FIG. 41 shows the hinged protective cover 400 with the tongue portion426 of the catch mechanism 422 disengaged from the detent 424 and theshield 412 rotated on the hinge mechanism 420 into an open positionrelative to the box lid 104. The lid, cover and container hinge knuckles430, 432, 434 are more clearly shown as sharing the common hinge pin436.

As illustrated, the handle mechanism 428 is not a necessary element ofthe hinged protective cover 400. Other equivalent means for disengagethe catch mechanism 422 and opening the hinged protective cover 400 areavailable. For example, the user's thumb, another digit, or a thin stiffrod may be insert between the protective cover 400 and the box lid 104in the space therebetween and used to disengage the catch mechanism 422and open the hinged protective cover 400. Alternatively, the handlemechanism 428 is structured as a small rise in the shield 412 near thetongue 426 of the catch mechanism 422 to permit thumb access between theprotective cover 400 and the box lid 104.

FIG. 42 illustrates another embodiment of the hinged protective cover400 wherein the hinge mechanism 420 is situated adjacent to a short endsurface 438 of the box lid 104 between the box hinge and latchmechanisms 116, 110 (shown in previous Figures). This embodiment issimilar to the embodiment of FIG. 39, having the hinge mechanism 420structured between one of the cover's side wings 414 and the box lid104. The clasp or catch mechanism 422 is structured between the otherside wing 414 and the lid 104 of the dry box 100, whereby the shield 412is latched in place over the lid floor 114. The side wing 414 or anotherportion of the hinged protective cover 400 is formed with the handlemechanism 428 for opening the hinged protective cover 400 by pressingthereon, as illustrated in FIG. 41.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1: A storage box comprising: first and second hinged together matingcovers; a viewing structure in one of the first and second covers forviewing there through an interior cavity enclosed by the first andsecond covers; and a protective cover structured for being moveablysecured in a covering relationship with the viewing structure. 2: Thestorage box of claim 1 wherein the viewing structure further comprises aflexible membrane. 3: The storage box of claim 1 wherein the protectivecover is further arranged in a sliding relationship with the coverhaving the viewing structure therein. 4: The storage box of claim 1wherein the protective cover is further arranged in a hingedrelationship with the cover having the viewing structure therein. 5: Thestorage box of claim 1 wherein the protective cover shares a hingemechanism with the first and second covers. 6: The storage box of claim1 wherein the protective cover further comprises a substantiallyoptically transparent window panel. 7: The storage box of claim 1wherein the protective cover further comprises a substantially opticallyopaque window panel. 8: A storage box comprising: first and secondmating box covers coupled in a mutually hinged relationship; a viewingport formed in one of the first and second covers for viewing therethrough an interior cavity enclosed by the first and second box covers;a protective cover arranged in a movable covering relationship with theviewing port; and a latch mechanism for securing together the first andsecond covers. 9: The storage box of claim 8 wherein the viewing portfurther comprises one of an optical magnifying lens and an opticallytransparent resiliently pliable membrane. 10: The storage box of claim8, further comprising a slide mechanism arranged between the protectivecover and the box cover having the viewing port formed therein. 11: Thestorage box of claim 8, further comprising a hinge mechanism arrangedbetween the protective cover and the box cover having the viewing portformed therein. 12: The storage box of claim 8, further comprising acommon hinge mechanism arranged between the protective cover and boththe first and second box covers. 13: The storage box of claim 8 whereinthe protective cover further comprises a substantially opticallytransparent portion. 14: The storage box of claim 8 wherein theprotective cover further comprises a substantially optically opaqueportion. 15: A storage box comprising: first and second mating boxcovers structured for forming an interior cavity therebetween; a hingemechanism coupled between the first and second box covers; a latchmechanism for securing together the first and second box covers; aviewing port formed in a floor portion of one of the first and secondbox covers; and a protective cover arranged in a movable coveringrelationship with the viewing port. 16: The storage box of claim 15wherein the viewing port further comprises one of an optical magnifyinglens and an optically transparent resiliently pliable membrane. 17: Thestorage box of claim 15, further comprising a slide mechanism arrangedbetween the protective cover and the box cover having the viewing portformed therein. 18: The storage box of claim 15 wherein the protectivecover is hinged relative to the box cover having the viewing port formedtherein. 19: The storage box of claim 15, further comprising a commonhinge mechanism arranged between the protective cover and both the firstand second box covers. 20: The storage box of claim 15 wherein theprotective cover further comprises a substantially optically transparentwindow panel. 21: The storage box of claim 15 wherein the protectivecover further comprises a substantially optically opaque window panel.